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NFL camps are under way. Rookies are fighting to make a roster, and vets are trying to lock in their positions on the team. It’s a time where players have a chance to stand out and show what they have to offer.
BYU has 19 players currently in the NFL. Where do these players stand? Who is fighting for a roster spot, and who is fighting for playing time?
Here is a breakdown of camp so far for each former Coug.
The Veterans
KYLE VAN NOY, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Kyle has emerged as a leader for the Patriots this year. Bill Belichick has been quoted on several occasions talking about Kyle’s leadership and what he brings to the team. Kyle got significant playing time last year as the starting linebacker for the Patriots and this year will be no different. Expect to see him play a huge role in the Patriots defense this year.
Since coming from the Lions in 2016, Kyle Van Noy has filled many needs — including leadership — on the #patriots defense. https://t.co/YMhkHo2iKw pic.twitter.com/ZAvwjTTITZ
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) August 5, 2018
EZEKIEL (ZIGGY) ANSAH, DETROIT LIONS
This season, Ziggy will be the highest paid defensive end ever. He will be making a whopping $17.143 million this season alone. Ansah did not come to a long term agreement with the Lions in the off season, making this his last year under contract. With all that money and a contract on the line, there are high expectations set on Ansah’s shoulders for the upcoming season. Ziggy started camp on the PUP list for unknown reasons. He was recently activated from that list and had his first practice this last Monday. Ziggy finished last season with 12 sacks, 2.5 short of his career high. Coaches expect this to be a big year for Ansah and a telling year for his future with the franchise.
JAMAAL WILLIAMS, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Jamaal made countless headlines last year as he became one of Green Bays main threats in the running game as a rookie. As he enters his second season in the NFL, expectations are high. Jamaal has been in a tight running back race throughout camp. Jamaal is also a favorite in the fantasy football world. Green Bay recently released their first unofficial depth chart and Jamaal was slated as the starting running back. Green Bay expects him to be the go-to guy this upcoming season.
After a sensational rookie season, Jamaal Williams is listed as RB1 in the @packers first unofficial depth chart. pic.twitter.com/9m8DVnIX16
— BYU in the Pros (@BYUpros) August 7, 2018
TAYSOM HILL, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Taysom has quickly become a media and fan favorite. Last year he exploded onto the scene with his spectacular special teams plays as a back up quarterback. His athleticism is nothing new to BYU fans, but the league is starting to take notice. Taysom provides two roster spots for the price of one contract and Sean Peyton couldn't be any happier. He spoke about the future Taysom on several occasions last season. In the first Saints unofficial depth chart, Taysom was listed as the third string QB, but talks are that the competition is not over. Everyone is buzzing about the preseason QB battle about to take place.
Tom Savage and Taysom Hill will both have opportunities to show their skill sets in our preseason opener https://t.co/KIujXKUvzT
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 7, 2018
It doesn't get any better then this pitch-and-catch between Taysom Hill and Jonathan Williams. On the money by the former #BYU QB. @FOX8NOLA #Saints pic.twitter.com/4kYJ9eX176
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) August 4, 2018
BRONSON KAUFUSI, BALTIMORE RAVENS
Camp has been full of change for Bronson. The Ravens are trying his skills and athleticism at the outside line backer positions along with his role at defensive end. He will be used to create extra pressure from the outside when he plays the linebacker role. Word is that he has been working on his body extensively this off season and it is making a difference. In the first unofficial depth chart Bronson was not listed as a starter, but he is expected to be in the rotation.
JORDAN LESLIE, DENVER BRONCOS
Jordan has been one of the main stories of Broncos camp with his spectacular catches and great route running. In the first unofficial depth chart, Jordan was not listed as a starter in the first depth chart, but he is expected to get snaps and contribute in the Broncos offense.
Play of the day so far in the scrimmage made by WR Jordan Leslie, who fought off coverage from two defenders to catch a 35-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline from Chad Kelly to cap the drive for the No. 3 offense.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 5, 2018
DANIEL SORENSEN, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Last season, Sorensen took over the job as starting safety after injuries opened up the spot. This season, the job is his to lose. There has been a lot of controversy over who should start at the safety position, but fellow BYU alumni, Andy Reid, has backed up his guy throughout. Daniel is slated as the starting safety on the first unofficial depth chart. However, Daniel is currently being evaluated for a knee injury and did not practice today.
Entering his fifth season with the #Chiefs, things are finally starting to click for jack-of-all-trades defender Daniel Sorensen https://t.co/yo6jPXVjDl
— Chiefs Wire (@TheChiefsWire) August 3, 2018
HARVEY LANGI, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
There has been little talk about Harvey during camp. After his car accident last year, it is still up in the air the role he will play with the Patriots this year. In the first unofficial depth chart he is listed in the 3rd group on line backers. Hopes are still high for Harvey in his second season, but it appears as though there is still work to do.
JOHN DENNEY, MIAMI DOLPHINS
John enters his 14th season as the starting long snapper for Miami and doesn't appear to be going anywhere.
ALGERNON (ALGIE) BROWN, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
In his second season, Algie is starting to make waves in the Chiefs organization. Everyone loves his physical play and his ability to pass protect. Algie is listed as the 2nd string fullback in the first unofficial depth chart and is expected to take a large portion of the snaps.
MICHAEL DAVIS, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Talk about Davis in camp has been quiet, but in the first unofficial depth chart he is listed in the second group of defensive backs. It is still an unknown if he will make the 53-man roster when all is said and done.
KAI NACUA, BALTIMORE RAVENS
Kai was picked up form the browns in the off season. Kai started off camp injured, but has since returned to practice. Hopes are high for his potential with the Ravens. Kai is currently listed as the 4th-string free safety. Time will tell if he makes the 53-man roster.
DE’ONDRE WESLEY, BUFFALO BILLS
Wesley has put on some size in the off season and is having success with the Bills. He is currently listed as the 3rd string right tackle. It is expected that he will make the 53-man roster.
COLBY PEARSON, ATLANTA FALCONS
Colby was recently picked up on waivers from the Packers last week. Pearson still has time to prove himself and make the roster by Sep. 1. Colby is currently listed last out of 6 receivers on the left side, but the falcons picked him up for a reason.
The Rookies
FRED WARNER, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Fred leads the class with the most potential coming out of BYU in 2018. He is expected to immediately contribute with the 49ers and make a huge impact on the defense. The team has been impressed with his physical play and his great work ethic. He is currently day-to-day fighting an injury. He is listed as a 3rd string linebacker, but is still in contention to contribute more when healthy.
Garrett Celek on #49ers rookie LB Fred Warner:
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) August 2, 2018
"That guy knows how to hit*."
* - Warner's biggest knock out of BYU was that he wasn't physical enough. So this is a good sign.
TEJAN KOROMA, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Tejan was on path to be the back up center for the Chiefs until he was sidelined with a knee injury. Currently he is on injured reserved and is no longer showing in the depth chart. There is no timetable for his return.
TOMASI LAULILE, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Tomasi is getting people excited for what he can bring to the Colts struggling defense in the future. They are impressed with his size and quickness. He is currently listed as the 3rd-string defensive tackle, which has him right there in the rotation.
JONAH TRINNAMAN, NEW YORK JETS
Jonah has got people talking on twitter about his speed and footwork. It is still unknown what his role will be on the Jets or if he will make the roster. He is currently listed at the back end of the depth chart for wide outs.
Speedy UDFA Jonah Trinnaman showing quick feet on the out route.
— Glenn Naughton (@AceFan23) July 28, 2018
MICAH HANNEMAN, CLEVELAND BROWNS
There hasn’t been much talk about Micah during camp. He is currently listed as the 4th-string safety. We will wait and see if he can earn a spot on the roster.
It will be fun to pay close attention and see how our favorite Cougars fair in the upcoming weeks leading up to the start of the 2018 NFL season.